8

It is a matter of concern that there continues to be no single, agreed figure...

Conclusion
It is a matter of concern that there continues to be no single, agreed figure for the aggregate number and the breakdown by nationality of seasonal agricultural workers, given the importance of this data for the formulation of policy. The Government, employers and representative bodies must work together to develop a common methodology for measuring the aggregate number and the breakdown by nationality of seasonal workers in the food supply chain. In order that Defra’s data commands confidence with stakeholders and within Government it should seek to ensure that these statistics are designated as “National Statistics” by the independent Office for Statistics Regulation.
Paragraph Reference
48
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
6 First Special Report of Session 2021–22 8.1. The Government is grateful to the committee for highlighting the importance of technology and automation for the future of the agri-food sectors, and acknowledge the financial and logistical challenges that small businesses in particular will face when considering mechanising their operations. Technology and automation have the potential to bring change to all parts of the food supply chain, and as the committee acknowledges, many sectors have already successfully integrated automation into parts of their operations. 8.2. We are delighted to inform the committee that, along with the measures acknowledged in the report, Defra will lead a review into automation in horticulture this year. The review will report on ways to increase automation in the sector and meet the government’s aim of reducing the need for migrant labour in the long term. Further details of the review will be published in the Spring.
Source
Committee Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Inquiry Labour in the food supply chain
Report Third Report - The UK’s new immigration policy and the food supply chain 22 Dec 2020 HC 231
View on Parliament website
Timeline
Recommendation age 5.4 yrs
Report published 22 Dec 2020